Queensland Museum scientists have discovered six previously unknown carnivorous deep-sea sponges using a remotely operated vehicle exploring the ocean floor.
The creatures, from the Cladorhizidae family, were collected during an expedition to the Ningaloo Canyons and south-west Australian canyons, off the coast of Western Australia, at depths previously inaccessible to scientists.
Queensland Museum’s collection manager of sessile marine invertebrates, Dr Merrick Ekins, said he was able to direct the remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the SuBastian, from his desk at the museum.
Abyssocladia johnhooperi is one of six new species of carnivorous deep-sea sponge identified by Queensland Museum scientists.Credit: Queensland Museum
“Our research underscores the importance of deep-sea exploration and the role of technological advancements in uncovering marine biodiversity,” Ekins said.
“These sponges showcase the incredible adaptability of life in extreme environments, and challenge our understanding of marine ecosystems.”
The uniquely shaped sponges prey on small creatures, such as crustaceans, using a range of specialised feeding structures.
Cladorhiza vanessaekins was found in the Cape Range Canyon of the Ningaloo region off Western Australia.Credit: Queensland Museum
The sponges include the elegant Abyssocladia johnhooperi, which has filaments radiating from its disc-shaped body for ensnaring prey.
Nullarbora ningalooa is a bottle-brush-shaped sponge adorned with copious fragile horizontal filaments, while Cladorhiza vanessaekins, which attaches itself to undersea rocks, resembles a tree.
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